Discrete Launcher, Accelerator, Or Retarder For Toy Vehicle Patents (Class 446/429)
  • Patent number: 11052897
    Abstract: An electrical passenger car, the electrical passenger car including: at least two electrically driven motors; speed control electronics; and wheels, where the wheels include a front wheel and a back wheel, where the back wheel radius is at least 20% greater than the front wheel radius, where the speed control electronics control the at least two electrically driven motors to provide a greater torque to the front wheel than to the back wheel, and where the speed control electronics control the at least two electrically driven motors to provide a greater torque to the back wheel than to the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Zvi Or-Bach, Brian Cronquist
  • Patent number: 10493369
    Abstract: A toy vehicle track set according to present invention includes a first track portion, a second track portion, a base to which the first and second track portions are coupled, and a carriage. At least one of the first track portion and the second track portion is repositionable about the base with respect to the other track portion and the carriage is movably coupled to the base. The carriage is positionable proximate to the first track portion, the second track portion, or both the first and second track portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Schmid
  • Patent number: 10258867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformer toy car that automatically transforms the shape to turn a card over to provide the information on the card, if the card is attached to the transformer toy car. The transformer toy car includes: a separable toy car body; and cards adapted to be attached to the underside of the toy car body, wherein if one of the cards is attached to the underside of the toy car body, a portion of the separable toy car body is separated, and a portion of the separated toy car body pressurizes a floor surface, thereby making the toy car body stand up or turn over and thus allowing the underside surface of the card attached to the underside of the toy car body to be exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Shin-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 9707489
    Abstract: A playset including a track is provided. The track may include a main section and a pivotal section. In a first mode, the pivotal section may be triggered to disconnect from the main portion to cause an object travelling on the track to be launched or disconnected from the track. In a second mode, the pivotal section may be triggered to disconnect from the main portion to cause a projection extending from the pivotal portion to pin the object to the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Stacy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9586154
    Abstract: A toy racetrack having an obstacle that is moved into and out of the path of a toy vehicle travelling along the racetrack is provided. The racetrack includes a closed loop track and may include a booster mechanism for propelling a toy vehicle along the track. The obstacle may be formed by a movable web or net with an opening that can be used to catch a toy vehicle traveling along the track. A support tower is located adjacent the track, and an obstacle carrier, optionally including an action figure, is movably mounted to the support tower. The figure holds the net, and the figure and net are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the net is in its lowered position, a toy vehicle traveling along the track is captured by the net when the net is manually positioned in a capture position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kit Hong Lau, Steve Moran, Stacy O'Connor, Brendon Vetuskey, Jacky Xie
  • Patent number: 9504926
    Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set, the relay segment having: an incoming track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment in a first plane; a trigger movably mounted to the relay segment for movement between a first position and a second position, the trigger being located proximate to the incoming track segment such that a portion of the trigger is positioned above the incoming track segment, wherein the portion moves away from the incoming track segment as the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle away from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael W. Nuttall
  • Patent number: 9387410
    Abstract: A loading and launching device for toy vehicles is disclosed that is actuated with a single pull of an actuator to both load and launch a toy vehicle, such as onto a toy vehicle track set. The device includes a horizontal toy vehicle loader and a toy vehicle launcher that are coupled to one another, such that as the launcher moves rearward, the loader moves from a vehicle receiving and loading position (in which the loading and launching device may receive a toy vehicle returning from the toy track set) to a launch position that pushes a toy vehicle into position directly in front of the launcher. When the launcher is released, it contacts and launches the toy vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Tao, Gerry Cody
  • Patent number: 9345979
    Abstract: A toy vehicle track set is provided including a pair of arm members including a first arm member and a second arm member. The pair of arm member are movably mounted to the track set for movement between a first position and a second position. A toy vehicle carriage is pivotally mounted at a distal end of each of the pair of arm members. Each of the pair of arm members is coupled to one another such that as one of the arm members moves from its first position to its second position, the other of the arm members also moves from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert William Matthes, Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Sang Joon Kwak
  • Patent number: 9314705
    Abstract: A toy track set includes a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a first gap end and a second gap end. The toy track also includes a carriage assembly configured to carry a toy vehicle across the gap such that the toy vehicle travels from the first gap end to the second gap end on the carriage assembly, the carriage assembly being moved from the first gap end to the second gap end by an assembly having an arm rotatable about an axis of rotation and that rotates through an angle equal to or greater than 360 degrees as it carries the toy vehicle from the first gap end to the second gap end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Julian R. Payne, Alec Tam
  • Publication number: 20150140895
    Abstract: A power unit for a toy or a system of toys that can removable receive the power unit. The power unit comprises a drive gear that can provide rotational power to one or more driven components of a toy with which the power unit is associated. The drive gear can comprise multiple drive portions. The toys can comprise a wide variety of toy types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Joey Chih-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8998673
    Abstract: A toy having a housing; a cover pivotally mounted to the housing for movement between a first position wherein an internal cavity of the housing is covered and a second position wherein access to the internal cavity is provided; a launching mechanism located within the internal cavity; a first projectile configured to be launched from the launching mechanism; a plurality of second projectiles configured to be launched from a plurality of projectile launchers secured to the housing; an actuation mechanism coupled to the cover, the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers, wherein operation of the actuation mechanism causes the cover to move from the first position to the second position and simultaneously launch the first projectile and the plurality of second projectiles from the launching mechanism and the plurality of projectile launchers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruben Leonard Martinez
  • Patent number: 8974264
    Abstract: A figurine launcher is described. The figurine launcher includes at least two shell components. The shell components are hingedly attached with one another to move between an open position and a closed position. An open mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components and is adapted to allow a user to selectively separate the shell components when in the closed position. A launch positioning mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components. The launch positioning mechanism is adapted to engage with a figurine and conceal the figurine within the housing when the shell components are in a closed position. Alternatively, when the shell components are in an open position, the launch positioning mechanism is adapted to move the figurine into a launch position. When in the launch position, the user can compress the shell components to force the figurine from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Dominic Laurienzo, Rip Lopusnak
  • Patent number: 8951091
    Abstract: A toy vehicle playset has a color changing device or mechanism that can be used to activate a color change on a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the playset includes a chamber configured to receive the toy vehicle. In another embodiment, the playset includes a launching mechanism that propels the toy vehicle along a track member and into a chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Payne
  • Publication number: 20150038048
    Abstract: A toy projectile launching system including at least one launchable toy projectile, including at least one RFID tag, and a toy projectile launching apparatus, including a housing, a projectile launching mechanism, a projectile receptacle, and an RFID writer adapted to write tag data to the at least one RFID tag, wherein the toy projectile is adapted to be loaded into the projectile receptacle and launched by the projectile launching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Benjamin Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 8888554
    Abstract: A toy playset is provided. The toy playset may include a base having a first play surface and may further include a first socket attached to the first play surface. The first socket may include a central detent configured to releasably retain a toy wheel with a portion of the toy wheel held inside the central detent. The first socket may include a pair of lateral detents configured to releasably retain a toy axle. The lateral detents may extend across the first socket and may intersect the central detent. The lateral detents may be narrower than the central detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Finizza
  • Publication number: 20140329436
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig LENNON
  • Toy
    Patent number: 8876573
    Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the ramp of the first tower is configured to releasably engage the lift of the second tower when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 8876572
    Abstract: A toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp is a toy vehicle track set that includes a launching ramp or track portion and a landing or receiving ramp or track portion. The toy vehicle track set also includes a booster or launcher which can propel or launch a toy vehicle onto the launching ramp, into the air, and onto the landing ramp. Further the set includes at least one elongate member with distance indicia, such that a user can measure the distance between the launcher and launching ramp, the launching ramp and receiving ramp, or some combination thereof. The toy vehicle track set enhances the play value of toy vehicle track sets by providing reliable and measurable jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Martino, Kevin Cao, David Alan Sheltman
  • Patent number: 8870623
    Abstract: A toy track set is provided. The toy track set having: a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a first end and a second end of the track; a catapult mechanism disposed within the vehicle path adjacent the first end, the catapult mechanism comprising: a platform member and a switch operably coupled to move the platform member from the second position to the first position. A catapult member having a first arm and a second arm rotationally coupled to the track, the first arm movable between a third position and a fourth position. A release mechanism is disposed adjacent the first end, the release mechanism having a trigger operably coupled to retain the catapult member in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Ferreyra, Kurnia Alim, Alex Au, Stacy O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140315471
    Abstract: An elongated flexible open coil spring with spaced apart coils adapted to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars are positioned with their depending pins engaging the open coil spring to be carried around the track by a powered car held by and moving the open coil spring along the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: George S. Hudimac, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140256219
    Abstract: A toy vehicle launch apparatus is described. The launch apparatus comprises a base, a vehicle tray, an actuator, a launch member, and a release controller. The vehicle tray is coupled to the base such that it is rotatable along a longitudinal axis relative to the base. The actuator, launch member, and release controller are coupled such that the launch member is configured to move between a ready position and a released position along a surface of the vehicle tray. The apparatus may also include a vehicle disposed on a surface of the vehicle tray and positioned in a launch position adjacent to the launch member. A combination toy vehicle transporter and launch apparatus and a method of launching a vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig Lennon
  • Publication number: 20140248820
    Abstract: The invention provides a toy with attachments, such as pieces of armour as described in the preferred embodiments, which can be removed from the toy by striking with a projectile or otherwise actuating a detachment mechanism. A biasing means such as a spring or other resilient member causes the attachments to be forced away from the toy when released, to simulate an explosion, and may act to enhance attachment to the toy prior to actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: China Industries Limited
    Inventor: Jaimie Hartwig Barrett Mantzel
  • Patent number: 8795027
    Abstract: A CO2 gas-propelled model car launcher permits two or more model vehicles to be launched substantially simultaneously. Launching of the vehicles is achieved by moving a trigger plate sidewise which disengages a disc and thereby releases a firing pin whose forward movement punctures the CO2 cartridge. A height adjustment feature permits the launcher to accommodate model cars of different sizes. Multiple launchers may be ganged together and their trigger plates rigidly connected in such a way that sidewise movement of one trigger plate launches all of the model vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Boy Scouts of America
    Inventor: Charles Kelderhouse
  • Patent number: 8747180
    Abstract: A relay for a toy is disclosed herein, the relay having: a first relay segment having an upper portion rotatably secured to a lower portion for movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the lower portion; a trigger coupled to the first relay segment, the trigger being configured for movement from a first position to a second position; a mechanism for retaining the upper portion in the second position after it has been rotated to the second position from the first position, the upper portion being spring biased towards the first position, wherein the mechanism releases the upper portion to allow for rotation movement of the upper portion to the first position from the second position, when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; a projectile launcher for launching a projectile into air after the release mechanism releases the upper portion and the upper portion is rotated to the first position from the second position; and a second relay segment, the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy L. O'Connor, Michael Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Patent number: 8734201
    Abstract: A toy vehicle racetrack is provided with one or more obstacle pairs. The obstacle pairs may be arranged in a geometrical progression and each obstacle pair may determine the relative positions of two toy vehicles and impede the travel of the trailing vehicle. Impeding the travel of the trailing vehicle may be accomplished by ejecting the trailing toy vehicle from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Patent number: 8696401
    Abstract: A backspin toy includes a vehicle having a front bumper, a platform having space for accommodating the vehicle therein, a flywheel disposed within the vehicle and rotatably supported within the vehicle, and a backspin unit that imparts backspin to the flywheel, disposed on the platform and engaging the flywheel, and configured to spin the flywheel rotatably supported within the vehicle to catapult the vehicle in a forward direction from the platform, the vehicle subsequently running in a reverse direction toward the platform at a limit of forward motion due to backspin of the flywheel imparted to the flywheel by the backspin unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8690632
    Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy L. O'Connor, Michael Nuttall, Brendon Vetuskey
  • Publication number: 20140057526
    Abstract: A toy set is provided including a reconfigurable toy capable of transitioning between a first configuration and a second configuration. The toy set also includes a launch mechanism having an activation means and a toy receiver. A propulsion mechanism transfers movement of the activation means to the reconfigurable toy to propel the reconfigurable toy in a second configuration from the launch mechanism along a propulsion axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Alan Sheltman, Kevin Kai Cao
  • Publication number: 20140051325
    Abstract: A toy system having two toy vehicles and a figurine for enhanced play value. One toy vehicle is large, has three actuators and front and rear ramps. The first actuator causes the large vehicle to open its sides to form a playset. The second actuator is located on a risible ladder with a platform having a trap door floor and enables the figurine to drop from the platform to the small toy vehicle. The third actuator launches the small toy vehicle down the front ramp from a storage compartment in the large toy vehicle after the small toy vehicle had been loaded into the storage compartment by opening the rear ramp. The small vehicle is transformable between a vehicle configuration and a robot configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: William M. Paukert, Dan Judkins, Eric Listenberger, Hiroyuki Nagasu
  • Patent number: 8620526
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle traveling on a roadway. The method includes, but is not limited to determining data of the roadway in the area, which includes determining a number n of lanes. If it is determined that n?2, it is determined whether a lane in which the vehicle is located with data of an optical camera of the motor vehicle. In addition, it is determined whether a second motor vehicle is traveling in the lane, in which the motor vehicle is located, in a direction of travel opposite a first direction of travel with a determination apparatus of the motor vehicle. If a second motor vehicle is determined, a warning message and/or automatic actuation is generated from an apparatus of the motor vehicle (e.g, a braking apparatus, a drive apparatus, or a steering apparatus).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Schepp, Ingobert Lassrich, Ali Khanafer, Oliver Wagner
  • Patent number: 8579673
    Abstract: A race track including a first racing lane, a second racing lane, a first starting mechanism, a second starting mechanism and a linking mechanism. The first starting mechanism is operably mounted to the first racing lane. The second starting mechanism is operably mounted to the second racing lane. The linking mechanism is capable of selectively attaching to the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism. The first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism are independently operable unless the linking mechanism is attached to the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism which causes the first starting mechanism and the second starting mechanism to move in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Monk
  • Patent number: 8579674
    Abstract: A mobile toy which is propelled by a flywheel is described. The mobile toy includes a body member having a set of protrusions which extend beyond the body member. An axle extending through the flywheel is positioned in the set of protrusions, such that each protrusion operates as an axle cap. Alternatively, a set of axle caps are formed at the end of the axle. The flywheel is formed as a displaceable flywheel which is repositionable or removable from the body member. The flywheel may be adjusted within the mobile toy at multiple positions relative to the mobile toy for use of the mobile toy on multiple types of surfaces and for various play configurations. A set of detachably attachable extension elements attached with the axle caps alter the appearance as well as the play capabilities of the mobile toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Carlson, Michael Bernstein, Dominic Laurienzo, Dion Fields
  • Patent number: 8568191
    Abstract: A toy vehicle which may have the capability to raise and lower a spin mechanism within the vehicle to lift the vehicle up off of a surface and spin the vehicle in a top-like manner when the spin mechanism is charged. The vehicle may further include a chassis with a cavity to house the spin mechanism and a release mechanism to direct the spin mechanism to lower a spin shaft below wheels on the vehicle. Energy may be generated in a power drive system and transferred to the vehicle via a transfer gear in the spin mechanism. Another embodiment of the vehicle may also transforms between multiple configurations, including a spinning top, and utilizes a launch mechanism to spin the vehicle in a top-like manner. This embodiment may further include a sliding front segment, a sliding rear segment, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. When the sliding front segment and rear segment move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward and direct a spin shaft downward to extend below the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Phillip H Fensel
  • Publication number: 20130280987
    Abstract: A toy vehicle launcher is disclosed. The launcher includes a cavity configured for receiving a plurality of toy vehicles. Furthermore, the launcher includes a launching mechanism that launches a single toy vehicle while loading the next vehicle into the launching position in a single action. Additionally, the launching mechanism includes an actuator for triggering the launching of the toy vehicles. Moreover, the launcher is configured for easy access to the storage of the plurality of toy vehicles in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Berrigan Lennon
  • Publication number: 20130225040
    Abstract: A toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp is a toy vehicle track set that includes a launching ramp or track portion and a landing or receiving ramp or track portion. The toy vehicle track set also includes a booster or launcher which can propel or launch a toy vehicle onto the launching ramp, into the air, and onto the landing ramp. Further the set includes at least one elongate member with distance indicia, such that a user can measure the distance between the launcher and launching ramp, the launching ramp and receiving ramp, or some combination thereof. The toy vehicle track set enhances the play value of toy vehicle track sets by providing reliable and measurable jumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony M. Martino, Kevin Cao, David Alan Sheltman
  • Patent number: 8517790
    Abstract: A transforming vehicle and launch system where the vehicle transforms between multiple configurations including a spinning top. The vehicle includes sliding front and rear segments, two sliding side segments and a receiving cavity. The launch mechanism includes a rotating launch shaft in communication with a power system and a release button. The power system includes the capability to generate and store energy. When the front and rear segments move toward one another, the two side segments are pushed outward directing a central shaft downward below the vehicle. The receiving cavity receives the launch shaft and transfers energy from the power system to the vehicle when it rotates. Energy generated and stored in the power system is transferred to the second configuration via the rotation of the launch shaft when a release button is triggered such that the vehicle separates and spins on the central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz
  • Patent number: 8465339
    Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: David Sheltman
  • Publication number: 20130109271
    Abstract: A toy track set is provided. The toy track set having: a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a first end and a second end of the track; a catapult mechanism disposed within the vehicle path adjacent the first end, the catapult mechanism comprising: a platform member and a switch operably coupled to move the platform member from the second position to the first position. A catapult member having a first arm and a second arm rotationally coupled to the track, the first arm movable between a third position and a fourth position. A release mechanism is disposed adjacent the first end, the release mechanism having a trigger operably coupled to retain the catapult member in the third position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Gustavo Ferreyra, Kurnia Alim, Alex Au, Stacy O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8430712
    Abstract: A track set is provided. The track say may include at least two selectively positionable track arms each with a toy vehicle launcher, each track arm further defining a vehicle pathway, where each track arm may be positioned in at least an extended play configuration and a folded storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 8425337
    Abstract: A skate park has a hard top shell formed with skate features drawn down from a top surface of the hardtop shell. The hard top shell has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The hard top shell has a hard top shell inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A sidewall is formed on a side of the hardtop shell. A paint layer is disposed on the hard top shell inside surface. The skate park may have at least one half pipe. A foil layer may be laminated to the underside of the hardtop shell. The skate park preferably includes at least one bowl recess, but may have two bowl recesses joined at a connecting ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Ronald Thompson
  • Publication number: 20130081602
    Abstract: A toy projectile is provided which is preferably constructed of TPR, and thus, can be used as an inherently stretchable elastic toy projectile. A handle section is also provided which can be used as a projectile launcher. Further, a storage container is also provided which can also act as a projectile launcher. In a preferred embodiment, a game is also described in which the projectiles are launched by hand, or with the handle or by the storage container/launcher, in order to impact targets, and preferably moving targets. A child's toy projectile and projectile launcher, with a game, are thereby provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: TECH 4 KIDS INC.
    Inventor: TECH 4 KIDS INC.
  • Publication number: 20130078887
    Abstract: A toy vehicle playset has a color changing device or mechanism that can be used to activate a color change on a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the playset includes a chamber configured to receive the toy vehicle. In another embodiment, the playset includes a launching mechanism that propels the toy vehicle along a track member and into a chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Julian Payne
  • Patent number: 8388405
    Abstract: A toy launcher and dual powered toy vehicle apparatus where the toy launcher includes a base part to be held stationary during operation and a slidable part mounted to the base part, the slidable part being movable between first and second positions. Captured between the base and slidable parts is a spring. The expanding spring causes the toy vehicle to be propelled away from the launcher. At the same time, the rapid movement of the rack energizes the flywheel motor so that after the spring discharges the toy vehicle and a flywheel of the flywheel motor engages a supporting surface, the toy vehicle is moving in response to both the spring and the flywheel motor, two different power sources. The single action of pulling the rack appears to the user to cause compression and release of the spring, and the flywheel motor to be energized, essentially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Nash Desent, John Boyce
  • Patent number: 8382553
    Abstract: A relay for a toy is disclosed herein, the relay having: a first actuator configured to launch a first object into air; a second actuator; a release mechanism moveably secured to the second actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the release mechanism from either the first position towards the second position or the second position towards the first position by the first object causes the second actuator to propel a second object away from the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130040533
    Abstract: In an aspect, the invention is directed to a set that includes a miniature vehicle that drives one or more wheels with an on-board motor that draws power from an on-board power source. A switch is provided to control the transmission of power from the power source to the motor. A first drive-related magnetically-responsive member is movable between first and second positions to control whether the switch is off or on. A second drive-related magnetically-responsive member is positionable to interact with the first drive-related magnetically responsive member to move the first drive-related magnetically-responsive member to the second position so as to close the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Kevin MILLER
  • Publication number: 20130040534
    Abstract: A CO2 gas-propelled model car launcher permits two or more model vehicles to be launched substantially simultaneously. Launching of the vehicles is achieved by moving a trigger plate sidewise which disengages a disc and thereby releases a firing pin whose forward movement punctures the CO2 cartridge. A height adjustment feature permits the launcher to accommodate model cars of different sizes. Multiple launchers may be ganged together and their trigger plates rigidly connected in such a way that sidewise movement of one trigger plate launches all of the model vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Boy Scouts of America
    Inventor: Charles Kelderhouse
  • Patent number: 8366508
    Abstract: A booster for accelerating toy vehicles. The booster includes a rotation source and first and second wheels operatively coupled to the rotation source. Each wheel includes a thin-walled member configured to engage toy vehicles passing between the wheels as the rotation source rotates the wheels in opposite directions. The thin walled member is characterized by an S-shape that allows the relative distance between the wheels to change, thereby accommodating differently sized vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Miva Filoseta, Kin Fai Chang, Jebraeil Samo
  • Publication number: 20130005213
    Abstract: A pedal-operated holding device for a model aeroplane, comprising a holding means (3; 103) having a holding state in which it is arranged to engage part of a model aeroplane (20), and a release state in which it is arranged to release the part of the model aeroplane (20); a pedal (2; 102), the operation of which causes the holding means (3; 103) to switch between states; and a base (1; 101), on which are mounted the pedal (2; 102) and the holding means (3; 103); in which the holding means (3; 103) is arranged so as to prevent movement of the model aeroplane (20) in a first horizontal direction (17; 117) when in the holding state, and to permit such movement in the release state; and the holding device (3; 103) further comprises auxiliary stop means (156) arranged to prevent movement of the model aeroplane (20) in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction (17; 117), in which the holding means (3; 103) is sized and shaped so that the part of the model aeroplane (20) which it engag
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Windsor Baker
  • Toy
    Patent number: 8298038
    Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration and the first tower has a connecting member configured to engage the second tower when the reconfigurable stru
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Publication number: 20120270472
    Abstract: A toy vehicle assembly that includes a toy vehicle coupled to a hand-held launcher. The launcher includes a manually rotated platform that is rotated by a user. Rotation of the platform causes a mechanism within the toy vehicle to store energy. The user can place the toy vehicle adjacent to a surface and release the vehicle from the launcher. The stored energy then propels the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Julio Sandoval, George Foster, Ian Osborne